Ruby and the others stepped out too—Karl was practically bouncing on his feet, his new robe swishing around his ankles as he kept pointing at the lanterns overhead. Milo held a small pouch of incense close to his chest, peeking around with wide, curious eyes.
Julian walked just behind Ruby, carrying a small woven basket with extra offerings. Adrian kept pace quietly at her side, his expression calm but his dark eyes taking in every flicker of light.
The village centre was already coming alive. Rows of flickering lanterns and tiny lights wire floated gently above their heads, dancing with the soft evening breeze. Long garlands of fresh flowers hung from tree and houses. Here and there, children weaved between the crowd, giggling as they carried tiny candles in clay holders.
